Syrian Minister Calls for Serious Policy against Terrorism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Syrian Culture Minister Issam Khalil censured certain countries’ double standards on terrorism, saying that if the countries that purportedly condemn terrorism in Syria are sincere, they should pursue “a serious policy” to fight against the inauspicious phenomenon.
“(These) countries should adopt a serious policy to dry up the sources of terrorism,” Khalil said in an interview with the Tasnim News Agency on the sidelines of a gathering held to condemn the destruction of Palmyra’s ancient temple of Baalshamin in Homs Governorate.
He slammed certain countries’ hypocrisy in condemning terrorist activities in Syria while supporting terrorists at the same time.
Khalil underlined that Syria does not need their condemnation but needs “(their) serious and responsible policy” and tangible actions to combat terrorism.
According to UNESCO, Baalshamin temple was built nearly 2,000 years ago, and bears witness to the depth of the pre-Islamic history of the country.
The building was blown up on August 23 by terrorists from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Its cella, or inner area, was severely damaged and the surrounding columns collapsed.
Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with Takfiri terrorists from various groups, including ISIL, currently controlling parts of it.
The US and its regional allies have been supporting the militants operating inside Syria for over four years.
More than 220,000 people have been killed in the four-year conflict that has driven 4 million refugees abroad.